iterative

adjective it·er·a·tive \ ˈi-tə-ˌrā-tiv , -rə- \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of iterative

: involving repetition: such as

a : expressing repetition of a verbal action

b : relating to or being iteration of an operation or procedure

—

iteratively

adverb

Recent Examples of iterative from the Web

The development of the overall system uses an iterative approach and is based on early testing and continuous optimization.

— Houston Chronicle, "Cyberattack hits data systems of at least 4 gas networks," 4 Apr. 2018
This allows for the rapid and iterative prototyping that created the original bGeigie, and its latest iteration, the bGeigie Nano.

— kendra pierre-louis, Newsweek, "How Civic Science Is Changing Environmentalism," 26 Oct. 2014
Today’s flashiest tech titans have pioneered a new approach to business: unrelenting, iterative improvement.

— robert hackett, Fortune, "Tech Dissatisfaction, Version 99.0," 23 Jan. 2018
This technology is in the early phases of an iterative process.

— brett berk, Car and Driver, "Nissan Says Its Brain-to-Vehicle Tech Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think," 17 Jan. 2018
Open-source code can be freely accessed and developed by any software developer, spurring continuous iterative development.

— marcus banks, Slate Magazine, "We Need a GitHub for Academic Research," 20 Apr. 2017
This iterative strategy will be a much easier than launching the sophisticated devices Silicon Valley is dreaming up.

— michael s. malone, WSJ, "Silicon Valley Trails in Medical Tech," 23 July 2017
In an iterative process, man and machine together design new forms that humans have never seen and might not otherwise conceive.

— tim o'reilly, The Atlantic, "What Will Our Lives Be Like as Cyborgs?," 27 Oct. 2017
Suspension tuning is an iterative process that goes beyond installing stiff shocks and sticky tires.

— Car and Driver, "How Genesis Built a Performance-Tuned Chassis," 17 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iterative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of iterative

15th century

Learn More about iterative

See words that rhyme with iterative Britannica English: Translation of iterative for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up iterative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

iterative

Definition of iterative

iteratively

Recent Examples of iterative from the Web

First Known Use of iterative

Learn More about iterative

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

iterative

Definition of iterative

iteratively

Recent Examples of iterative from the Web

First Known Use of iterative

Learn More about iterative

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes